Deirdre Bounds was responsible for making travel industry history by changing people’s perceptions of the ‘ethical travel’ movement. Her outlandish ideas in the company she created helped change the lives of 1000’s of people and protect the earth’s environment – she can also take credit for the recent surge in Gap Years for all ages. In this talk she’ll draw upon her broad range of experiences as a backpacker, stand-up comedienne, lost soul, hugely successful entrepreneur and why ethical travel is big business. Deirdre will also discuss her recent travels as a Presenter for C4 Dispatches – uncovering the dirties business on earth.

Proclaimed by the Telegraph as having “Northern grit and determination that represents the perfect role model for business”, the former standup-comedienne, world backpacker, English teacher, outback bus driver, media pundit, author of ‘Fulfilled, A Personal Revolution in Seven Steps’and mum of two-Deirdre Bounds is a down to earth visionary who set up the ethical travel company i-to-i.com.

From bedsit to big time; from standing start to leading light; from ‘can do’ to ‘already done’, former comedienne and founder of i-to-i travel, Deirdre Bounds never fails to enthuse and inspire with the infectious secret of her business and personal success.

As a business person, her interests range from the enterprising mindset, SME business growth, curing common brands, savvy marketing, zeitgeist spotting, the emotion economy, generation Y customers, fearless innovation, women in business and enterprising teens. Due to her international business experience she has much to comment about the global economy and why and how companies and individuals need to adjust to it.

As an entrepreneur, Deirdre founded and sold the world’s largest gap year travel company to a FTSE 100 company for an eight-figure sum. She has since set up an ethical children’s party company – the first of its type in the UK. She therefore has a connection both with business audiences and those aspiring to become the next enterprising leaders along with keen travellers. This is revealed in the huge amount of practical advice consisting of both the successes and failures she encountered along the way. Her audiences are left in no doubt that she knows what she is talking about and take away much from her authentic wisdom.

As a commentator, author and speaker, Deirdre combines all of her life and business experience to create a memorable and helpful exchange of ideas. She passionately believes in helping each individual to survive the mental roller-coaster of business – and once they have mastered that – she drives them on to take control of their business success.

Deirdre has been voted as one of the North’s top 100 entrepreneurs, she is recognised as being in the top 50 influencers in the region, is the Woman of Achievement in Yorkshire 2010, sit on the board of three public sector organisations, Is a regular commentator on BBC Radio 2 and 5Live and was one of eight entrepreneurs chosen to travel to Africa with Channel 4.

September 8th Deirdre Bounds The Business of Travelling Ethically

All Rohan Harrogate Lectures are free but spaces are limited, to reserve your place please give us a call and we will take your details. The series of lectures will be held at Rohan, 21 Station Square, Harrogate, HG1 1SY, 01423 508766. The doors will be open from 6.00pm and the talks will start at 7.00pm drinks and nibbles will be provided.

Although the lectures are free, donations to Yorkshire Air Ambulance would be appreciated on the night and any money raised through the season will be matched by Rohan up to a maximum of £1500. There will be 15% off all purchases on the lecture evenings, although as it is going to be really busy it would be better to phone ahead and get the stuff you want set aside so you are not attempting to try things on during the good bit of the talk!